The Lowdown On South Africa's New Entry Rules for Families

South Africa recently implemented very strict entry rules for families traveling to and from the country. Here's the rundown.

South Africa’s new rules for traveling into and out of the country with children are so strict, they almost seem unbelievable. But a new reality is indeed coming for families; despite how excessive these rules may seem, they must be taken seriously if you want to enter the country. Enforcement will commence in a few weeks on October 1st.

To start, let’s take a look at what the new rules are, and then we’ll get into some perspective on the motivation behind them. South Africa’s website gives us a very detailed breakdown of the new requirements, applicable to all children under 18 years old:

• When leaving South Africa with children, parents or guardians must be able to produce unabridged birth certificates reflecting the details of both parents, as well as a valid passport for each child.

• This requirement applies even when both parents are traveling with their children.

• It applies to foreigners and South Africans alike.

• If children are traveling with a guardian, this adult is required to produce affidavits from both parents giving permission for the children to travel. They will also need copies of the passports of the parents, as well as the contact details of the parents.

• If children are traveling with only one parent, they must produce an unabridged birth certificate as well as a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child; an affidavit from the other parent granting permission for the child to leave the country; a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child; and if applicable, the death certificate of the other parent registered on the birth certificate.

• When a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, he or she must be able to produce proof of consent (a letter or affidavit) from both his or her parents or legal guardians to travel in or out of the country; and a letter from the person who will receive the child in South Africa, including that person's full contact details and a copy of their passport or ID book. The letter must also include details about where the child will be staying, and full contact details of both parents or legal guardians.

According to South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, the new regulations are meant to improve the safety of children, specifically as a way of reinforcing "their protection from child trafficking, abduction, and kidnapping." Somewhat ironically, this seemingly altruistic endeavor taken up by South Africa has received much criticism from the travel industry, including South Africa’s own tourism minister.

One of the biggest concerns is that the regulations are way too severe and will deter families from visiting the country in favor of a competing African nation. Much of it seems to do with the hassle of aggregating all the paperwork. Unabridged birth certificates require an application to be obtained and can take a few weeks to process, and you can imagine the headaches involved for divorced couples trying to meet the parameters laid out in the second to last bullet point.

There’s a lingering sadness over this whole situation that revolves around the idea of watching something noble be met with such skepticism, based mostly on a perceived financial loss. Up to this point, no one particular incident has been named as the motivation for the new regulations, but obviously this decision is being made for a reason.

We've got a hunch that these regulations are going to be challenged with even more intensity after they are implemented and travelers are personally affected. We'll keep you in the loop regarding any news that becomes of it. For now, if you or someone you know has plans to head to South Africa with children in tow, better start getting the paperwork in order.